Don’t Attack Fulani, Mark Begs Kinsmen
President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has begged victims of the Agatu/Fulani clash in Benue state not to launch reprisal attacks on Fulani herdsmen.
Mark made the plea during a visit to constituency members at Ogwule-Ankpa in Agatu local government area of the state. He said federal and Benue state governments were already investigating the clashes.
The Senate President expressed condolences over the 17 killed, seven missing, several others hospitalized, and the over 50 houses burnt, a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh said.
“I can feel your pains and agonies. It is a disturbing situation. But vengeance or reprisal attack is not the answer. It is the primary responsibility of government to protect the citizenry. Government would reinforce security in this environment So that you can return to your homes and go about your legitimate businesses”, Senator Mark appealed.
Accompanied by member representing Apa/Agatu federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adamu Ochepo Entonu, the Senate President pleaded with the people not to take laws into their hands as every thing would be done to restore law and peace, as well as bring culprits to book.
Senator Mark called for cooperation amongst Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states to provide security in boundary communities to check incessant incursions by mercenaries.
Narrating their ordeal, community leaders Salihu Musa Adoba, Onehi Joseph and Sule Aguma alleged that the invaders came in the wee hours of October 13, and began killing his people in their sleep. The invaders also burnt their houses, added the trioka.
The Agatu leaders blamed the crisis on the alleged insistence of Fulani herdsmen that they give up their farms as grazing fields for the Fulani cattle men.
They pleaded with the state and federal governments to hand them relief materials and provide adequate security to enable them return to normal lives and return their children back to schools shut down since the crises erupted.